Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

EIJSMA – Even If It Kills Me (2020)

When EIJSMA released her debut single ‘Even If It Kills Me’ last year, she created a lot of buzz around her melody-driven synth sound. While written and recorded during an unpredictable year, the single is a reflective one that puts down perfectionism and obsession. Using a vibrant tone, she has you wanting to break free from restrictions that have been placed on you by yourself and other people.

While EIJSMA grew up in a family of creatives and trained as a classical musician, she is embracing a new side of her creativity. Taking a spirited soundscape and throwing in some serious questioning, she moves with confidence to a different sound. With a touch of wit and humour, she lights up your day with her musical presence.



‘Even If It Kills Me’ hits you with bold energy in the way of deep synths pulsing through your brain. There is a touch of the 80s in the melody but this is quite light compared to the more contemporary tones woven into the music. The bold tones take a lighter melodic flow as the song progresses and a keyboard line enters. The dark pulsing synths do make a comeback in the lower levels creating a great layered soundscape. There is an edginess to the music that is countered by the melodic tones and glittering lighter electronic notes that dance across the higher levels.

EIJSMA’s vocals have a velveteen flow that adds to the richness of the soundscape. There is a witty edge to the lyrics that come through wonderfully in the vibrant tones of her vocal delivery. The movement of the music highlights her vocal abilities as she turns to a dreamy flow when the more melodic tones hit. Her performance is very catchy as it moves from rich to dreamy. On the chorus, she has you questioning the restrictions we place on ourselves before freeing you with the dreamy tones of her voice.

EIJSMA brings a bold style to your ears while moving her vocals from velvety to dreamy in the rich and confident tones of ‘Even If It Kills Me’. The melody hits you with the bold sounds of the song from the first moment before flowing into a more melodic chorus. Her vocals match this while adding a witty edge to the lyrics that push against the restrictions we place on ourselves.

Find out more about EIJSMA on her website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

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